Far as I Can Tell

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "far as I can tell" means "as far as I can tell" - from what I know, to the best of my knowledge. The leading "as" is often dropped in regional talk.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #DialectandGrammar #Southern

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Far as I can tell' means you looked it over, and that's what you came up with. That's different from 'far as I know,' which is more certain. Probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I can tell.'

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Far as I can tell' means you looked it over, and that's what you came up with. That's different from 'far as I know,' which is more certain. Probably sounds like I'm saying 'fours I can tell.'

Pronunciation

[FAR az AH kin TELL]

Meaning & Usage

- To the best of my knowledge (phrase)

Mae:

They movin’ for good?

Earl:

Far as I can tell, just for the winter.

- As best as I can see or judge (phrase)

Mae:

That tractor runnin’ right?

Earl:

Far as I can tell, it’ll hold together.

variations: for as I can tell, as far as I can tell, best I can tell, far's I can tell, near's I can tell

★ Dropping the first "as" is one of those little Appalachian/Southern shortcuts in speech. The meaning is the same, but the rhythm is quicker. ★

Origin and Etymology

From standard English "as far as I can tell." In Appalachian and Southern talk, the clipped form "far as I can tell" became the everyday version.

Usage Notes

Common in Appalachian and Southern speech. Recognized nationally, but elsewhere folks are more likely to use the full form "as far as I can tell." Outsiders often mis-hear this as ‘for as I can tell,’ but locals are saying ‘far as I can tell.’ Both point to the same meaning: to the best of my knowledge or judgment."

Say It Like a Southerner

Said plain: "far as I kin tell." The "as" is clipped, and "I can" often comes out "I kin."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "far as I can tell" bad grammar?

In formal English, yes. In dialect, it’s authentic and natural.

Do people outside Appalachia say it?

Some do, but it’s most natural in Southern and Appalachian speech.

Does it mean you’re uncertain?

Yes - it signals you’re sharing what you know, but you might not have the whole picture.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 1). Far as I Can Tell. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-can-tell
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Far as I Can Tell." HillbillySlang.com, 1 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-can-tell.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Far as I Can Tell." HillbillySlang.com. September 1, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/far-as-i-can-tell.

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